The rumor mill around the Green Bay Packers and Brandon Aubrey didn’t take long to draw reactions from across the league, especially after whispers of prohibited contact before the start of free agency surfaced online.
Experts Blunt Regarding Packers-Brandon Aubrey Potential Illegal Tampering Buzz
Packers beat writer Easton Butler first ignited the conversation, posting the following on X:
“FA Leak: The Packers were reportedly in contact with K Brandon Aubrey’s Reps, per source. Aubrey is expected to command the largest deal for a Kicker in NFL History, and with his reps also at the combine, the possibility exists could be kicking somewhere other than Jerry’s World in 2026.”
That’s when some raised the possibility of illegal tampering because the league’s “legal tampering” window only applies to unrestricted free agents. Aubrey is still under contract with the Dallas Cowboys as a restricted free agent.
Under NFL rules, it is illegal for a team to communicate with a player’s agent or the player themselves while they are under contract with another team, especially before the legal tampering period opens (Monday, March 9 to Wednesday, March 11). If found guilty of tampering, teams face heavy fines and the loss of high-round draft picks.
Veteran reporter Mike Chappell offered a blunt take on the situation and the league’s terminology, writing: “So, illegal tampering ahead of legal tampering. And the phrase ‘legal tampering’ is dump. If it’s allowed, it’s not tampering.”
Former Packers quarterback Kurt Benkert took things a step further, openly saying the potential punishment would be worth it if the team actually landed the star kicker.
“The Packers can tamper with Aubrey all they want in my mind. Take the fine that comes with it as long as you land that man so special teams stops being so ass,” Benkert wrote.
The Packers can tamper with Aubrey all they want in my mind. Take the fine that comes with it as long as you land that man so special teams stops being so ass. pic.twitter.com/yaMzfq2KAP
— Kurt Benkert (@KurtBenkert) March 5, 2026
The speculation also triggered a broader conversation about the value of kickers in today’s NFL, especially with long-distance accuracy improving around the league.
Joe Schad posed the question to fans and analysts: “Now that kicking long field goals is easier than ever (due to NFL policy changes on preparing footballs during the week as well as training improvements) are kickers MORE or LESS valuable in your opinion?”
This stems from the reports that Aubrey has turned down offers from Dallas that would make him the highest-paid kicker in the league (a contract exceeding $6.4 million annually), as his camp is reportedly seeking a deal closer to $10 million per season.
Meanwhile, analyst Tom Downey leaned into the tampering chatter with a tongue-in-cheek demand directed at the league.
“Tampering, give us the 2nd for free @NFL,” Downey wrote.
As of now, there has been no official investigation or accusation from the National Football League regarding tampering by the Packers. The conversation remains fueled largely by speculation and social media discussion following the NFL Combine.
Still, the possibility alone has created buzz, considering Aubrey is widely viewed as one of the most valuable specialists in the game. The All-Pro kicker has connected on 112 of his 127 field-goal attempts since his rookie season in 2023, including 35 makes from beyond 50 yards.
With free agency approaching and Dallas expected to use a second-round tender on Aubrey, any team hoping to pry him away would likely have to pay both financially and potentially with draft compensation — which only adds another layer to the speculation surrounding the Packers’ alleged pursuit.
